Seve Ballesteros’ Son May Emulate Father

In May 2011, flags flew at half mast from Spain, to the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Everyone was acutely aware, as the Rojigualda fittingly stood up to the wind, that one of the game’s great personalities had gone.

When he was remembered at the Spanish Open that year, soon-to-be Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabalwas inconsolable as he spoke of the unique charisma of the man. Miguel Angel Jiminez also stated “The thing that really stands about him is his determination, his tenacity and his passion for everything that he did.”

Both lamented the great loss to the game.

Now, though, something of that Seve magic may be living on. On Sunday, September 16, Javier Ballesteros, the son of the golfing great, won the Madrid Open amateur title.

It is the biggest win of 22-year-old Ballesteros’ career, and one which he dedicated to his late father. “My father always told me that you have to play with what you got, and that’s what I did,” he said. “I thought about him a lot during the 18 holes and I dedicate this victory to him and my mother.”

Despite winning this event with a score of six under par, four strokes adrift of his nearest rival, and having already competed in a professional tournament in Barcelona in April, he is to wait on making a decision on his career.